As with (pending free-agent shortstop) Manny Machado, who the Yankees will monitor but not likely pursue aggressively, ownership could step in and mandate a Harper signing. The Steinbrenner family just watched the Boston Red Sox win yet another World Series, and might be in the mood to load up on superstars.

At this point, however, the "early feeling" — after the Yankees finished their pro scouting meetings and set a preliminary offseason strategy — is that Harper doesn't fit on their roster.

Related News

A left-handed hitter who could take advantage of Yankee Stadium's friendly dimensions, Harper also would offer a break in a lineup heavy on right-handed bats. But the team's outfield and DH spots are spoken for by, most notably, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Hicks, among others. The team also has an option on Brett Gardner for 2019, and Jacoby Ellsbury remains under contract through 2020 with a club option for 2021.

Of more pressing need, the Yankees — who were 100-62 in 2018, earning a wild-card playoff berth — have holes to fill in their rotation and bullpen.

Harper is coming off a season in which he slashed .249/.393/.496 but had 34 home runs and 100 RBIs.